Irish Citizen receives Order of the Polar Star

H.M. King Carl XVI Gustaf of Sweden has conferred the Order of the Polar Star on Irish citizen, Mr Paul Keane.

The ceremony took place in the Royal Palace in Stockholm on 19 September 2017.

The Order of the Polar Star was founded in 1748 and is intended as a reward for foreign citizens for personal services to Sweden or Swedish interests

Since 2010, Paul Keane has served as the Honorary Consul General of Sweden and is Chairman of the Swedish Chamber of Commerce in Ireland.

In both capacities, Paul has worked to promote and support Swedish/Irish relations providing a positive forum for business and individuals from both countries to meet and collaborate through a programme of business and cultural activities.

Speaking at today’s ceremony, Paul Keane said, “I am deeply honoured to be awarded the Order of the Polar Star, particularly as it is in recognition of work that I enjoy so much.

“It has been my privilege to serve as the Honorary Consul General of Sweden for the past 7 years. In that time, I have developed a true appreciation of the ties that bind our two countries - socially, culturally, politically and economically.

“There is a breadth and depth to this relationship. In Ireland’s recent financial crisis, it is to be remembered that Sweden came to our financial aid. In 2010, a loan of €1 billion was given to the State by Sweden and Denmark.” Mr Keane continued, “There are approximately 2,000 Swedish citizens living in Ireland. Swedish businesses such as Ericsson are major employers. Ireland and Sweden are important trading partners; the Nordic Region being one of Ireland’s most important export markets.

In 2016, Swedish exports to Ireland were in excess of €6.9 billion and Irish exports to Sweden were €17 billion”.

Paul Keane is Managing Partner of Dublin law firm Reddy Charlton, Member of the Council of the Law Society of Ireland and Non-Executive Chairman of Newbridge Silverware.